So, my question to the members of this forum is, "When you're wearing your Rolex... do you feel it draws too much attention and does it worry you? Do
you feel safe while wearing it out in the public eye?"

After all, everyone knows about Rolex and how valuable they are!

[And, I do appreciate that there are more "reserved" models of Rolex (i.e.; AirKing, Explorer, etc) but I'm speaking specifically about models such as the Datejust, Yachtmaster, Submariners etc.]

I'm a Professor, and one of my close older colleagues (who traveled to DC regularly on work,) had a Rolex President stolen from him by a much bigger man in Washington, DC- back in the 70's. He then got a stainless datejust that he left on a nightstand in his hotel room in DC for a few hours that was stolen. He ended up wearing stainless no name watches the rest of his life. At another time, he had a Leica camera stolen. Traveling with things of obvious high value presents risk of loss, or worse. It has always been that way. My wife and I have also had purses, luggage, and cameras stolen, sometimes going through security in airports.

I notice that they notice. You may not notice people's attention and think that no one notices...

I would say that a yellow or rose gold bracelet draws the most attention for a typical rolex. A yg or rg case model is next.

I have a smooth bezel SS DJ (the most understated) and a ton of people notice and people do comment.

My experience seems to be different, again, because I am aware.

For the rest, yes, it can be stolen, no, don't put your watch in a hotel safe or leave it anywhere in a hotel room. No, don't leave it in a tray when going through airport security. Careful when travelling generally, etc.

Interesting thread... I travel frequently to Europe/Asia. I tend to make sure I am aware of my surroundings and believe me, in my experience people notice what you are wearing on your wrist. People have commented on my watch in restaurants, on the train, etc.

I sat next to a woman on a flight where she looked over and commented on the beautiful Omega Planet Ocean I was wearing. Of course I thanked her and she stated that I should not be wearing such a valuable time piece while traveling. She was a jeweler in London and said that someone in a restaurant or at a bar will notice that watch and wait for you to leave the restaurant/bar to steal the watch. She then proceeded to share a few experiences from some of her customers. Depending on the country, location in a city, etc. the probability of theft goes up expodentially.

I now travel wearing a Tissot Sport Touch ($460) watch that is more function than form. The valuable timepieces are only worn to the office or places where I know it is safe. It's really a shame... and yes you need to live and can't be worried about these things all the time to the point of paranoia, but no reason to leave yourself wide open where you are a target.

There seems to be a diversity of replies here and, although we surely try to be safe and, therefore, conscious of the environment that we find ourselves in, the criminal element is not selective in where it rears its ugly head!

Usually when I travel I wear a yellow gold Patek 5054 on a leather strap and, oddly enough, I would say that the only time I've ever had a comment on it was when I was in a high-end jewellery store that sold luxury watches such as Breguet, Blancpain, and A. Lange & Sohne. But, on the street, I've never had any comments/questions posed to me. I assumed that the reason for this is because people just aren't that familiar with the brand (I could be foolishly mistaken on this point.) But, on the other hand, people are very familiar with the look of a Rolex.

Perhaps, what brought this question to mind is that I was riding on the bus with a fellow passenger the other day and I noticed that he had a beautiful s/s and yellow gold Datejust with diamonds for the numerals. The face was quite ornate on its own without the diamonds too. Anyway, I had a Bucherer catalog in hand and he asked me about it. So, we had a pleasant conversation about watches in general. It was then that I posed the question of whether he had people asking him questions about his watch or not.

He replied that in his former job he always wore long-sleeved shirts and, therefore, the watch was always covered up. Secondly, he never took public transport either. However, in his present job though, he usually wears short sleeved shirts and, therefore, his watch is exposed. He mentioned a recent trip he was on where there was a passenger on the plane that kept staring at him and his watch which, naturally, made him feel uncomfortable. Nothing happened but, nonetheless, it was an awkward situation for him.

[In general, I try not to draw attention to myself and, therefore, I make every effort to be understated and subtle. For me, the Rolex I'm considering would be a radical departure!]

Anyway, similar to people who make unwarranted comments about people who drive BMW autos, there are those who make similar statements about people who wear Rolex watches. Sadly, the comments are usually snide and presupposes that the owners of such goods are a**holes.

Hence, this is the purpose for posting the question... just to see whether others experience such situations when they wear their Rolex watches.

At the end of the day, I'll most likely purchase the Everrose Yachtmaster with the rubber bracelet. But, I'll certainly be aware of what potential issues may arise as a result of my decision.

I've worn a bunch of different Rolex models over the last 10 years. In all that time, I've only had "nice watch" said to me maybe 5-6 times? And only once did it strike up a conversation, but that was at a coin collector show.

I had a Yachtmaster for a while. I loved the dial but could not warm up to the rose gold so I ended up trading it in. I really never felt too self conscious while wearing it because most people had no idea what it was. Your average person, or thief, is more impressed by a gold Day-Date. Kind of funny actually considering the white gold Sub and GMT are way more expensive.

Congrats on the watch if and when you get it. Rolex does attract more attention depending on what country you are in. I have noticed that here in the States, barely anyone cares what you have on your wrist. However, Rolexes and Audemars Piguet are more noticeable than other brands. And couple that with precious metals of rose or yellow gold to increase noticeability. Couple that with a matching bracelet for even more noticeability. And add a larger case size and/or diamonds on the watch, and it will stick out even more so.

I just saw that watch this past weekend. The dial is surprisingly matte, like a chalkboard, as is the bezel. It's not too flashy but I think keen observers will recognize that it a Rolex.

But in my opinion Rolexes are engineered to be used everyday and handle a lot of conditions. That is the reason I have one as my daily wear. I understand that to many it may represent the summit of their watch acquisition, a symbol of accomplishment, or a meaningful gift, so if that is the case than it would be wise to be mindful of your surroundings and where you plan on going, but to those who wear them as beaters I pay it no mind and wear it anywhere and everywhere. I notice people notice sometimes, but I don't feel anxious or uncomfortable at all. As long as you are respectful of your surroundings, treat even the seediest of folks like normal human beings, and are confident in your surroundings, you will be just fine.

... and even more if I wear with full bracelet- or wear a version with Tahitian MOP and diamonds-
otherwise you should be fine- I saw platinum Daytona in Istanbul - most people did not make a second look...

...stainless steel Datejust for the last ten years and have received maybe a handful of comments on it.

It is, however, a rather understated watch, small in size with a simple white dial. Only a person who is interested in watches will notice the polished center links of the jubilee bracelet, the cyclops or the slightly different colour of the white gold bezel.

I tend to look at people's watches I can tell that I will look at:

(1) any watch that is gold in colour or has gems on it (99,9% of which will be cheap fashion watches)
(2) the watch of a person who dresses extremely smart.

Since you are likely to get into at least one of the above categories I can assure that I will stare at your wrist if we ever meet :-)

There are so many variables here. First of all, it depends on where you are and/or live. In a place like LA or Miami, no one cares if you are wearing a gold watch, but a more conservative city like Washington, DC, it will stand out. Then it all depends on your persona in general, what you are wearing, where you are, etc - there are a lot of aspects that people notice before they pay attention to which watch you are wearing.

At the end of the day, it is only a watch, I would say get the one that makes YOU happy, keep in properly insured and serviced, then enjoy it!

I have generally had no issues with my Rolex (20+ years), but once, I was approached in a busy mall at Christmas time - the fellow sat down with me, made small talk, then remarked on my watch -"that's a nice watch - a Rolex" - I clued in and said, "I wish, its a fake". But the fact was my watch was covered by my sleeve, so he clearly spotted it early and made the point to come see me. He then followed my from a distance and I saw security, I asked for an escort to my car. I looked back and the individual was walking with two other guys, they followed me the mall exit, looked and then looked right at me and laughed. I am certain, I would have been robbed had I not asked security to escort me.